Directionally biased staple and method of manufacturing

ABSTRACT

In accordance with the present disclosure a cartridge for use with a surgical stapler is disclosed. The cartridge has a plurality of individual directionally biased surgical staples therein and associated pushers for ejecting the staples from the cartridge, each of the staples being supported within the cartridge in spaced relation from adjacent staples and each of the staples comprising a backspan, and a pair of deformable legs depending from the backspan. The legs are configured to come into contact with anvil pockets for formation of the staple. Each of the staples has a substantially uniform cross-section along substantially the entire length of each leg, the cross-section includes a shape that is selected from the group consisting of a trapezoid, a triangle and a semicircle.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of, claims the benefits of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/424,606 filed on Apr. 28, 2003, which is a Continuation of, claims the benefits of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/693,379 filed on Oct. 20, 2000, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

This invention relates to formable surgical fasteners and, more particularly, to directionally biased formable staples for use in surgical staplers having anvil pockets for forming the staples.

2. Background of Related Art

Surgical stapling instruments have become critical to many life saving surgical procedures. Surgical staples are usually mechanically inserted into tissue with surgical stapling instruments such as those known as anastomosis devices, including gastrointestinal anastomosis devices and transverse anastomosis devices. In such devices, the staples are loaded in one or more elongated rows into a cartridge. A mechanism for pushing, or driving the stapler is actuated to drive the staples through two or more sections of tissue toward a deforming anvil. At the conclusion of the driving operation, the legs of each staple are conventionally clamped or bent, by the anvil, to a closed configuration to complete the suture and join the tissue sections together. Gastrointestinal anastomosis-type devices drive and bend the staples aligned in a row sequentially in rapid sequence, while transverse anastomosis-type devices drive and bend all staples simultaneously. See, e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,520,817 and 4,383,634. Circular anastomosis-type devices simultaneously apply annular rows of staples to tissue. See, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 4,304,236.

One type of conventional staple 20, shown in FIGS. 1-3, used with both gastrointestinal anastomosis and transverse anastomosis-type surgical stapling devices is made of stainless steel or titanium. The undeformed staple 20 (FIG. 1) is generally U-shaped and includes a back span 22 and two legs 24 depending substantially perpendicularly from the back span. Each leg 24 has a sharp chiseled end point 26 for piercing body organs or tissue. The chisel point also creates torque in the staple, allowing it to form. The staple penetrates the tissue from one side to engage an anvil spaced apart and located at an opposing side of the tissue. The staple is bent by having the legs engage and follow an anvil 25 to form a B-shaped closed staple 28 as shown in FIG. 2. In this closed configuration tissue is compressed between the legs and backspan of the staple.

Because of their substantially circular cross-section (FIG. 3), these conventional staples require approximately the same amount of force to form the staple into its final shape as is required to twist or malform it.

For example, referring back to FIG. 3, a conventional round cross section staple has a moment of inertia in the x forming dimension (I_(x)) given by the equation:

I _(x)=1/4_(—) r ⁴

Its moment of inertia in the y twisting dimension (I_(y)) is given by the same equation:

I _(y)=1/4_(—) r ⁴

Using a round wire stock of uniform 0.009 in diameter (r=0.0045),

$\begin{matrix} {I_{x} = {I_{y} = {{1/4}\_ ({.0045})^{4}}}} \\ {= {3.22 \times 10^{- 10}\mspace{14mu} {in}^{4}}} \end{matrix}$

The Moment of Inertia Ratio, given by the equation:

is I_(y)/I_(x)

$\frac{3.22 \times 10^{- 10}\mspace{14mu} {in}^{4}}{3.22 \times 10^{- 10}\mspace{14mu} {in}^{4}} = 1$

In order to insure accurate and consistent formation of these conventional staples, considerable research and development has been conducted in the areas of forming and driving structures. For example, anvils have been developed with specific coatings and/or structure, see, e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,173,133 and 5,480,089. Also, staple cartridges have been configured with driver structure to balance forces encountered during staple formation. See, commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 4,978,049 to Green. Thus, to control and insure consistent staple formation without twisting or deformation, extremely strict manufacturing tolerances have been implemented.

Other types of staples for different types of instruments are also found in the prior art. Some have non-circular cross-section. FIGS. 4, 4A and 4B illustrate by way of example a staple of this type marketed by United States Surgical of Norwalk, Conn. for use with its MULTIFIRE ENDO HERNIA and ENDO UNIVERSAL 65 staplers. The anvil in these staplers, as shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D, is adjacent the backspan of the staple as tissue is approached from only one side. Unlike the staples described above which are formed by contact of the staple legs with anvil pockets, these staple legs are bent around an anvil abutting the backspan. This staple has a side portion H with a height dimension greater than the dimension of the base portion B (i.e. 0.020 in vs. 0.015 in.).

The Moment of Inertia Ratio is given by the equation:

${{Moment}\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} {Inertia}\mspace{14mu} {Ratio}} = {\frac{I_{y}}{I_{x}} = \frac{{Moment}\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} {Inertia}\mspace{14mu} {About}\mspace{14mu} {Twisting}\mspace{14mu} {Axis}}{{Moment}\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} {Inertia}\mspace{14mu} {About}\mspace{14mu} {Forming}\mspace{14mu} {Axis}}}$

where

I_(x)=(1/12) bh³ and I_(y)=(1/12) hb³, with h=0.020 in. and b=0.015 in.

Thus, I_(x)=(1/12)(0.015)(0.020)³=1.0×10⁻⁸ in⁴, and

I_(y)=(1/12)(0.020)(0.015)³=6.0×10⁻⁹ in⁴.

Accordingly,

Moment of Inertia Ratio=6.01×10⁻⁹ in⁴=0.60/1=0.60 1.10×10⁻⁸ in⁴

This staple is specifically configured to accommodate twisting during staple formation to permit the legs of the staple to cross as shown in FIG. 4E. Thus, it is engineered so the force to form the staple is slightly greater than the force to malform or twist the staple. The forming is accomplished by bending the staple legs around an anvil positioned adjacent the inner surface 32 of the backspan 34.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,366,479 describes a hernia staple with adjacent anvil having a height of 0.38 mm and a thickness of 0.51 mm. This staple is formed the same way as in FIGS. 4C and 4D. The moment of inertia ratio of this staple in accordance with the foregoing formula is as follows:

I_(x) = (1/12)(.51)(.38)³ = 2.33 × 10⁻³ I_(y) = (1/12)(.38)(.51)³ = 4.2 × 10⁻³ ${{Moment}\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} {Inertia}\mspace{14mu} {Ratio}} = {\frac{4.2 \times 10^{- 3}}{2.33 \times 10^{- 3}} = 1.8}$

This staple for use as described would actually result in greater force to produce the desired shape. In fact, the staple legs would likely contact each other before crossing over into their crossed configuration.

Thus, it is apparent that this type of hernia staple, i.e. where the anvil is adjacent the backspan as the tissue is approached from only one side, is quite different than the staple of the present invention, e.g. the B-shaped staple, wherein the legs penetrate through the tissue to contact anvil pockets. These anvil pockets direct the staple legs to form the staple into a closed configuration. Thus staple configuration and considerations of twisting, bending and staple formation of these hernia staples are inapplicable to these considerations for anvil pocket directed staples, such as the B-shaped staples.

It would therefore be desirable to provide a staple configuration for a staple designed to penetrate tissue and contact an anvil pocket on the opposing side of tissue, which, in complement with conventional cartridge and anvil technology, enhances correct staple formation while reducing twisting/malformation caused by misalignment or unusual tissue while minimizing reliance on strict manufacturing tolerances.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present disclosure a cartridge for use with a surgical stapler is disclosed. The cartridge has a plurality of individual directionally biased surgical staples therein and associated pushers for ejecting the staples from the cartridge, each of the staples being supported within the cartridge in spaced relation from adjacent staples and each of the staples comprising a backspan, and a pair of deformable legs depending from the backspan. The legs are configured to come into contact with anvil pockets for formation of the staple. Each of the staples has a substantially uniform cross-section along substantially the entire length of each leg, the cross-section includes a shape that is selected from the group consisting of a trapezoid, a triangle and a semicircle.

In accordance with the present disclosure, a directionally biased surgical staple for use with a surgical stapler is disclosed. The directionally biased staple comprises a backspan having first and second ends and defining a longitudinal axis, and a pair of deformable legs depending from the first and second ends of the backspan. Each of the legs diverging outwardly from the other leg and forming an angle θ with respect to an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the backspan. The deformable legs have substantially uniform dimensions over substantially their entire length. Each of the legs includes a substantially uniform cross-section along substantially the entire length. The cross-section includes a shape that is selected from the group consisting of a trapezoid, a triangle and a semicircle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various preferred embodiments are described herein with reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a conventional staple as known in the art;

FIG. 2A is a side view of the staple of FIG. 1 formed into a “B” configuration;

FIGS. 2B, 2C and 2D illustrate the staple of FIG. 2 being formed as the legs, after penetrating tissue, come into contact with the anvil pockets;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the staple of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a conventional rectangular cross-section staple as known in the art which is formed around an anvil contacted by the backspan;

FIG. 4A is a side view of the staple of FIG. 4.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the staple of FIG. 4 taken along line 4B-4B;

FIGS. 4C, 4D and 4E illustrate the staple of FIG. 4 being formed as the legs are bent by the pusher and the backspan is held against the anvil;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a directionally biased staple in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the staple of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the staple of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the staple of FIG. 5 taken along line 8-8;

FIG. 9A is a side view of the staple of FIG. 5 after it has been deformed to a “B” configuration;

FIG. 9B is an end view showing the coplanarity of the AB@ sections of the staple of FIG. 9A;

FIGS. 10A B 10F are side views showing staple formation of the staple of FIG. 5 as the staple penetrates tissue and the legs come into contact with the anvil pockets;

FIG. 11A graphically illustrates the comparison of the mean twist (in inches) vs the offset of the conventional staple of FIG. 1 and the novel staple of FIG. 5.

FIG. 11B graphically illustrates the comparison of the mean twist (in %) vs the offset of the conventional staple of FIG. 1 and the novel staple of FIG. 5;

FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a directionally biased staple in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a directionally biased staple in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 12C is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a directionally biased staple in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a directionally biased staple in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a directionally biased staple in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an endoscopic gastrointestinal anastomosis-type device for firing the staple of FIG. 5;

FIGS. 16-16C are enlarged views showing the staple formation by the anvil pockets of the instrument of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a gastrointestinal anastomosis-type device for firing the staple of FIG. 5;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a transverse anastomosis-type device for firing the staple of FIG. 5;

FIG. 18A is an enlarged view of the staple forming anvil and a portion of the disposable loading unit of the device of FIG. 18;

FIGS. 18B and 18C are enlarged views showing the staple formation by the anvil pockets of the instrument of FIG. 18A;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a circular anastomosis-type device for firing the staple of FIG. 5;

FIG. 19A is an enlarged view of the staple forming anvil and a portion of the disposable loading unit of the device of FIG. 19;

FIGS. 19B and 19C are enlarged views showing the staple formation by the anvil pockets of the instrument of FIG. 19A;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a directionally biased staple in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along section lines 21-21 of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a front elevational view of the directionally biased staple shown in FIG. 20 after the staple has been deformed to the B-shaped configuration;

FIG. 23 is a side elevational view from the direction of lines 23-23 of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an anvil adapted for attachment to an endoscopic gastrointestinal anastomosis-type device;

FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a top partial cutaway view of the anvil shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along section lines 27-27 of FIG. 26; and

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along section lines 28-28 of FIG. 26.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the presently disclosed directionally biased staple will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views.

A directionally biased staple 50 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated in FIGS. 5-9. Referring specifically to FIGS. 5-7, staple 50 has a U-shaped configuration and includes a pair of substantially parallel legs 52 connected by a crown portion 54 with a bending region 55 therebetween. The legs are shown perpendicular to the backspan and are substantially straight along their length. Tissue penetrating portions 56 are preferably formed adjacent a distal end of legs 52. These penetrating portions 56 may be of any known configuration which facilitates entry of the legs 52 into tissue to be stapled. As shown in FIG. 5, the tissue penetrating portions 56 are preferably formed in a chisel shape with points 58 adjacent inner facing sides of legs 52.

In this embodiment, the cross section is preferably formed in a substantially rectangular configuration as shown in FIG. 8 with x designating the major base dimension (b) and y designating the minor height dimension (h) of the crown portion of the staple when positioned in an inverted-U configuration as shown in FIG. 5. As used herein, the staple is intended to be formed about the x dimension (x axis). Thus, as illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10F staple 50 is formed downward relative to the page.

This cross-sectional configuration may be achieved by any known method including extrusion, rolling, coining, etc. Preferably, this configuration is accomplished by flat rolling round wire stock on opposing sides. In the fabrication process, the stock can be pre-rolled by the wire manufacturer or may be round wire stock which is rolled into the desired cross-sectional configuration by the staple manufacturer.

I_(y) of the cross-sectional configuration of the novel staple illustrated in FIG. 5 is given by the equation:

I _(y)=(1/12)(b)³(h)

For a base dimension b=0.010 in and a height dimension h=0.008 in,

I _(y)=(1/12)(0.010)³(0.008)

I _(y)=6.67×10⁻¹⁰ in⁴

I_(x) is given by the equation:

I _(x)=(1/12)(b)(h)³

I _(x)=(1/12)(0.010)(0.008)³

I _(x)=4.26×10⁻¹⁰ in⁴

The Moment of Inertia ratio (I_(y)/I_(x)) is thus

$\frac{6.67 \times 10^{- 10}\mspace{14mu} {in}^{4}}{4.26 \times 10^{- 10}\mspace{14mu} {in}^{4}} = 1.57$

Similarly, for a base dimension b=0.012 in and a height dimension h=0.008 in, I_(x)=1.0×10⁻⁹ in⁴ and I_(y)=5.12×10⁻¹⁰ in⁴, yielding a Moment of Inertia ratio of 1.95.

Given that I_(y) defines the dimension corresponding to proper formation of the staple when fired and I_(x) defines the dimension corresponding to twisting and/or malformation, it is readily apparent that the directionally biased configurations provide a “functionally similar” forming force as a conventional round staple while requiring up to twice as much force to twist or malform when compared to conventional staples. This novel staple provides a substantial improvement over conventional staples.

Table 1 below sets forth by way of example Moment of Inertia Ratios for a variety of sizes and types of novel directionally biased staples for use in surgical staplers. Clearly staples of other dimensions are contemplated so long as they have the novel moment of inertia ratio described herein.

I_(y)/I_(y) Moment Staple Height Base of Inertia Size (in.) (in.) I_(y) I_(x) Ratio 3.5 mm. .007 .010 5.83 × 10−10 2.86 × 10−10 _ 2.04/1 Titanim 3.5 mm. .007 .0115 8.87 × 10−10 3.29 × 10−10 _ 2.70/1 Stainless Steel 3.8 mm. .007 .010 5.83 × 10−10 2.86 × 10−10 _ 2.04/1 Stainless Steel 4.8 mm. .009 .014 2.00 × 10−9  8.51 × 10−10 _ 2.35/1 Titanim 4.8 mm. .007 .0115 8.87 × 10−10 3.29 × 10−10 _ 2.70/1 Titanim

Further, as illustrated below, for comparable size staples, the novel staple configuration provides increased resistance to twist without changing firing forces.

For example, twisting stress _(—b), is defined by the equation:

_(—b)=Mc

-   -   Iy         with moment M kept constant at M=1lb$in.

For a conventional round 0.009 in. diameter staple: M=1 lbs in; c=0.0045 in; and I_(x)=I_(y)=3.22×10⁻¹⁰ in⁴, so

${\_ b} = \frac{\left( {1.01b\mspace{14mu} {in}} \right)\left( {{.0045}\mspace{14mu} {in}} \right)}{3.22 \times 10^{- 10}\mspace{14mu} {in}^{4}}$ _b = 13, 975  ksi

For the directionally biased staple of FIG. 8 having b=0.010 in and h=0.008 in: M=1.0 lb$in; c=0.005 in; and I_(y)=6.67×10⁻¹⁰ in⁴.

${\_ b} = \frac{\left( {1.01b\mspace{14mu} {in}} \right)\left( {{.0045}\mspace{14mu} {in}} \right)}{6.67 \times 10^{- 10}\mspace{14mu} {in}^{4}}$ _b = 7, 496  ksi

Thus, not only is this embodiment of the novel staple more resistant to twisting and/or malformation, e.g. _(—)14,000 ksi for the conventional staple vs. _(—)7,500 ksi for the novel staple, it also maintains minimal firing forces. The directionally biased staple is effectively desensitized against the effects of misalignment during staple formation while, at the same time maintaining a minimal firing force. This directionally intelligent design can reduce malformations caused by misalignment or twisting as well as reduce the need for very sensitive manufacturing tolerances for anvils and anvil forming cups, cartridges, etc.

The benefits of the novel staple can also be appreciated by reference to the graphs of FIGS. 11A and 11B. Since staples are forced through thick tissue and the staple cartridge and anvil can flex as tissue is compressed and can move slightly relative to another, this affects the point of contact between the staple leg points and the anvil. For example, if the anvil moves slightly out of alignment, the staple legs will contact a different point of the anvil which can affect uniform formation of the staple. Additionally, due to manufacturing tolerances, the staple points may not contact the anvil in the exact optimal location. Although such staple formation is clinically satisfactory and effective, the novel staple of the present application provides for more uniform formation of the row of staples and accommodates for manufacturing tolerances as it is more resistant to twisting. That is, the staple will have the tendency to bend in the direction of the thinner dimension which is desired since in this case the thinner dimension defines the desired bending direction. By relaxing manufacturing tolerances, the cost of manufacturing is reduced as well.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the prior art round staple, since the height and width are the same, can twist in different directions if there is misalignment between the staple and anvil. Thus the direction of twisting cannot be controlled. In contrast, the Moment of Inertia ratio of the novel staple of the present invention results in reduced twisting. Note that not only is there more twisting initially with the prior art staple, but as the offset increases, the amount of twisting in the current staple is greater at any degree of offset. The percentage of twist is defined as x/d x100% wherein x is the distance between the centerline of the staple and d is the diameter (or width) of the staple.

FIGS. 12-14 illustrate alternate directionally biased cross-sectional configurations in accordance with the disclosure. These cross-sectional configurations all have aspect ratios in the range of about 1.1 to about 3.0 wherein the x axis designates the major base dimension (b) and the y-axis designates the minor height dimension (h) in each of these cross-sections.

FIGS. 15-19 disclose by way of example several types of surgical staplers which can utilize the novel directionally biased staples. Other types of surgical staplers are also contemplated.

FIG. 15 illustrates a known endoscopic sequential stapler 100 including an anvil 110 and a staple cartridge 102 having novel directionally biased staples 50 loaded into the staple cartridge 102 thereof. Referring to FIGS. 16-16C, with anvil 110 and staple cartridge 102 in an open position (FIG. 16), tissue 120 is positioned between anvil 110 and cartridge 102 (FIG. 16A). Anvil 110 is now pivoted in the direction indicated by arrow “A” towards cartridge 102 (FIG. 16B) in a known manner to compress tissue 120 between anvil 110 and staple cartridge 102. Thereafter, staples 50 are ejected from staple cartridge 102 into pockets 122 formed on anvil 110. Pockets 122 deform staples 50 into a substantially B-shaped configuration (FIG. 16C). Anvil 110 can now be pivoted to the open position to permit tissue 120 to be removed from stapler 100.

FIG. 17 illustrates a known open type sequential stapler 150 including an anvil 152 and a staple cartridge 154 having novel directionally biased staples loaded therein. Ejection of staples from stapler occurs in a manner similar to that disclosed in FIGS. 16-16C and will not be discussed in further detail herein.

FIG. 18 illustrates a known transverse type surgical stapler 200 including an anvil 210 and a staple cartridge 202 having novel directionally biased staples 50 loaded into the staple cartridge 202. Referring to FIGS. 18A-18C, with anvil 210 and staple cartridge 202 in an open position, tissue 220 is positioned therebetween (FIG. 18A). Anvil 210 is now moved in the direction indicated by arrow “B” to an approximated position towards cartridge 202 (FIG. 18B) in a known manner to compress tissue 220 between anvil 210 and staple cartridge 202. Thereafter, staples 50 are ejected from staple cartridge 202 into pockets 222 formed on anvil 210. Pockets 222 deform staples 50 into a substantially B-shaped configuration (FIG. 18C). Anvil 210 can now be moved to the open position to permit tissue 220 to be removed from stapler 200.

FIG. 19 illustrates a circular stapler 300 including an anvil 310 and a staple cartridge 302 having the novel directionally biased staples 50 loaded in the staple cartridge 302. Referring to FIGS. 19A-19C, with anvil 310 and staple cartridge 302 in an open position, tissue 320 is positioned therebetween (FIG. 19A). Anvil 310 is now moved towards cartridge 302 in a known manner to compress tissue 320 between anvil 310 and staple cartridge 302 (FIG. 19B). Thereafter, staples 50 are ejected from staple cartridge 302 into pockets 322 formed on anvil 310. Pockets 322 deform staples 50 into a substantially B-shaped configuration (FIG. 19C). Anvil 110 can now be moved to the open position to permit tissue 320 to be removed from stapler 300.

FIGS. 20-23 illustrate another preferred embodiment of the presently disclosed directionally biased staple shown generally as 400. Directionally biased staple 400 includes a crown portion 410 and a pair of outwardly angled legs 412 with a bending region 414. Legs 412 define an angle about 5″ to about 15″ with crown portion 410. Preferably, legs 412 define an angle of about 9″ with respect to crown portion 410. Alternately, other angle orientations are envisioned. The angle of legs 412 function to retain the staple within staple receiving slots of a staple cartridge prior to use, i.e., legs 412 frictionally engage the slot walls of a staple cartridge to retain the staple within a cartridge slot. Tissue penetrating portions 416 are formed at the distal end of legs 412 and preferably have a chisel shape with points 418 adjacent inner facing sides of legs 412. Referring to FIG. 21, staple 400 has a cross-section having flat top and bottom surfaces 420 and 422 and semi-circular side surfaces 424 and 426. Preferably, this cross-section is achieved by rolling top and bottom surfaces of wire stock. Alternately, other methods including extrusion and coining may be used to form staple 400. Using the appropriate formulas, the Moment of Inertia ratio of staple 400 is approximately 2. Alternately, the dimensions of staple 400 may be varied in a manner to achieve a Moment of Inertia ratio within the preferred range of about 1.1 to about 3.

FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate staple 400 in the formed state wherein staple 400 assumes a B-shaped configuration. FIGS. 24-28 illustrate an anvil 500 which is configured for attachment to a transverse-type surgical stapler such as shown in FIG. 18. Anvil 500 includes a plurality of staple pockets 510 formed in the surface of the anvil. Each staple pocket 510 includes first and second staple forming cups 512 and 514 and a channeling surface 516 disposed around each of the staple forming cups. An anvil including such a staple forming pocket has been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,480,089 filed Aug. 19, 1994, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. Anvil 500, including staple forming cups 512 and 514 and channeling surface 516 can be adapted for use with any of the surgical stapling devices described in the specification above including endoscopic gastrointestinal anastomosis-type devices (FIG. 15), gastrointestinal anastomosis-type devices (FIG. 17), transverse anastomosis-type devices (FIG. 18) and circular anastomosis-type devices (FIG. 19).

There are various methods of manufacture of the surgical staple. For example, the method could include the steps of flat rolling the wire stock to form at least one flat surface thereon and cutting a length of round wire stock to a predetermined length corresponding to a desired length of a finished staple or extruding the stock with a flat surface. The stock is bent into a form having a backspan and a pair of legs wherein the staple has an aspect ratio of between about 1.1 to about 3.0.

Although a specific embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above in detail, it will be understood that this description is merely for purposes of illustration. Various modifications of and equivalent structures corresponding to the disclosed aspects of the preferred embodiment in addition to those described above may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure which is defined in the following claims, the scope of which is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass such modifications and equivalent structures. For example the anvil shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,480,089, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, can also be utilized. 

1. A cartridge for use with a surgical stapler, the cartridge having a plurality of individual directionally biased surgical staples therein and associated pushers for ejecting the staples from the cartridge, each of the staples being supported within the cartridge in spaced relation from adjacent staples and each of the staples comprising: a backspan; a pair of deformable legs depending from the backspan, the legs configured to come into contact with anvil pockets for formation of the staple; and wherein each of the staples having a substantially uniform cross-section along substantially the entire length of each leg, the cross-section including a shape that is selected from the group consisting of a trapezoid, a triangle and a semicircle.
 2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein each of the staples is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of titanium and stainless steel.
 3. The cartridge of claim 1, further comprising a penetrating structure formed on a distal end portion of at least one of the legs.
 4. The cartridge of claim 3, wherein the penetrating structure is a pointed tip on an inner side of the leg.
 5. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the staple legs are substantially straight along their length.
 6. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein each of the legs has a distal end formed in a chisel shape with a point adjacent an inner side of the leg.
 7. A directionally biased surgical staple for use with a surgical stapler having an anvil including a plurality of anvil pockets, the directionally biased staple comprising: a backspan having first and second ends and defining a longitudinal axis; and a pair of deformable legs depending from the first and second ends of the backspan, each of the legs diverging outwardly from the other leg and forming an angle θ with respect to an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the backspan, the deformable legs having substantially uniform dimensions over substantially their entire length; wherein each of the legs includes a substantially uniform cross-section along substantially the entire length, the cross-section including a shape that is selected from the group consisting of a trapezoid, a triangle and a semicircle.
 8. The directionally biased surgical staple of claim 7, wherein the angle θ is between about 5 degrees and 15 degrees.
 9. The directionally biased surgical staple of claim 7, wherein the angle θ is about 9 degrees.
 10. The directionally biased surgical staple of claim 7, wherein each of the legs includes a sharp tip.
 11. The directionally biased surgical staple of claim 7, wherein the staple is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of titanium and stainless steel. 